Does it bother you at all that the father of your children might end up in jail? Roland asked Evelina one day. Or should I withdraw the report? Evelina was silent for a moment before responding. I want to talk to Alexander.
We’ve needed to meet for a while to discuss what to do with the country house. This was true. Evelina had been meaning to meet with Graham, but hadn’t followed through due to the busyness of her life.
Gathering her courage, the next day, Evelina called him. Graham, hi. We need to meet, she said.
Come to the country house if you can. I’m not working right now and Clara is sick. I’ve been taking care of the baby, Graham replied.
Oh, so the baby’s already born? Evelina asked, feigning casual interest. The news was unpleasant, but she knew she had to accept it. Yes, a month ago.
I became a father for the third time, Graham said with a hint of melancholy. All right, I’ll come, Evelina agreed. I hope you remember the address, Graham teased.
Don’t worry, I remember, she replied, her tone serious. She quickly packed her things and drove to the place she had once considered her home. Arriving at the house, she was greeted joyfully by Snowflake, their family dog, and the children.
Evelina patted Snowflake on the head. How are you, girl? Everything okay? She asked. Feeling a pang of nostalgia.
Inside, the house seemed different, neglected and less inviting. Her thoughts were interrupted by Alexander, who appeared in the living room holding a tiny baby in his arms. I knew you were coming when Snowflake started whining.
She usually barks at everyone except you. She still growls at Clara. Clara’s afraid to go near her, Graham said.
Is it a boy or a girl? Evelina asked. A boy. His name is Calvin, Graham replied.
Rocking the baby gently in his arms. Clara’s been sick for two days with a fever. She refuses to see a doctor, he added in a subdued voice.
She’s different since the birth. Talks about postpartum depression, but won’t take care of the baby. I’ve been helping as much as I can, but she’s apathetic and doesn’t want to do anything.
Evelina understood all too well what he meant. She had experienced something similar after Ivy was born, but a friend had dragged her to a psychiatrist who prescribed medication. Evelina wasn’t sure if it was the pills or time that helped her recover, but she knew postpartum depression was serious.
Graham, you need to get Clara to a doctor, Evelina said, though she didn’t understand why she was helping them after everything they had done to her. Still, she couldn’t stand by when a child’s well-being was at stake. She refuses all help, Graham said.
I know she needs medical treatment, but I can’t force her. Call an ambulance now, Evelina urged. If she’s had a high fever for two days, it could be serious.
Graham hesitated, then nodded. All right, I’ll call. Meanwhile, Evelina took Calvin from Alexander.
The baby initially lay peacefully in her arms, but soon began to cry. She walked around with him, trying to soothe him, but nothing worked. Taking him outside, she found a stroller, placed him in it, and began walking laps around the house.
After some time, he finally fell asleep. Fifteen minutes later, the ambulance arrived. Graham led the paramedics upstairs to Clara, who reluctantly agreed to be taken to the hospital.
Graham came back downstairs with a hastily packed bag. Evelina, I’m going to the hospital with Clara. Can you stay with Calvin until I get back? He asked.
Evelina nodded, realizing she couldn’t say no, even though she never imagined she’d one day be babysitting her ex-husband’s child from his mistress. Life, she thought, was stranger than fiction. Graham disappeared into the ambulance, leaving Evelina with no chance to respond.
She found herself unexpectedly babysitting his child, as Graham and the ambulance were already gone. With no other choice, she began walking around the yard with the stroller to keep the baby calm. About an hour later, the baby woke up, crying.
Evelina quickly realized he was hungry, but had no idea what to feed him. She carried him inside, found a bassinet in the living room, and gently placed him there before heading to the kitchen. After some searching, she found formula and a bottle, indicating the baby was formula-fed.
Carefully reading the instructions, she prepared the bottle, checked the temperature, and returned to the living room. Taking the baby into her arms, she fed him. He eagerly drank every drop, clearly very hungry.
When he finished, he looked at her with curious eyes, studying the unfamiliar woman who, for now, had taken the place of his mother. Graham returned two hours later, visibly tired. How’s Clara? Evelina asked, still holding the baby.
She has pneumonia, Graham said, his voice heavy. The X-ray showed it. I also told the doctor about her depression.
He promised to monitor her closely. I’ll need to stay home with the baby for the next couple of weeks. I’m sure you’ll manage, Evelina replied, handing him the baby.
As Graham reached out to take the child, their eyes met, and for a brief moment, their faces were close. Evelina quickly pulled away, realizing with certainty that she no longer felt anything for her ex-husband. The events of the past months had extinguished any lingering feelings she might have had.
No problem, she said. If you need help with the baby, let me know. I can come by occasionally.
On her way home, Evelina reflected on everything that had happened. Graham called her later to let her know his mother would be coming to help him with the baby. He also mentioned their unresolved issue.
Evelina, about the house. I can’t kick you and the kids out, especially since you’re renting now and struggling with money. I’ll give you half the house’s value.
Would that work for you? He asked. Yes, that sounds fair, Evelina replied after some thought, even though it was difficult to part with the house where she had raised her children. Great, Graham said.
I’ll transfer the money to your account soon. He hesitated before adding, One more thing. I’d like to apologize publicly to Roland, your lawyer.
Do you think you could ask him to withdraw the complaint against me? Evelina lowered her eyes, unsure how to respond. Graham, do you realize how awful your actions were? You assaulted someone just for telling the truth in court. Yes, Graham admitted.
I’ve only now understood how serious this is. If I go to jail, Calvin will grow up without a father. Evelina sighed.
I’ll talk to Roland, she said finally. But don’t forget Ivy and Miles. They miss you a lot.
As she left, Graham called out, Bring them by to visit. I’d love to see them. That evening, Evelina called Roland.
Roland, Graham’s situation is difficult right now. Clara is in the hospital with postpartum depression and pneumonia. He’s out of work.
Could you withdraw the complaint, please? For you, I will, Roland replied warmly. Thank you, my dear, Evelina said, the words slipping out unintentionally. They felt like balm to Roland’s heart, making him smile.